MALOLOS, Philippines – Filipinos were called to unite as the country commemorated yesterday the 118th Independence Day at the historic Barasoain Church in this city.
Sen. Cynthia Villar, who keynoted the event, reminded Filipinos of the struggles of our forefathers in order to free the country from foreign dominance.
Villar said the country has long attained its freedom, but Filipinos are still fighting to free themselves from poverty.
She said this year’s Independence Day theme “Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong” is what the country needs to free the citizenry from poverty.
Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado asked Bulakenyos to support president-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign for peace and order and remain vigilant against any threat on the country’s sovereignty.
Alvarado noted the events that took place at the Barasoain Church more than a century ago, saying this paved the way for the declaration of the Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
He said the country is still besieged by new challenges such as the territorial dispute with China and climate change.
In Pangasinan, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. urged Filipinos to bring back the old Filipino values and traditions.
Espino led the Independence Day celebration at the Bengson-Yuson House in Lingayen, wherein he offered flowers in front of a painting showing Aguinaldo waving the Philippine flag.
Meanwhile, the Central Luzon police marked the 118th Independence Day with flag-raising and balloon-releasing activities at Camp Olivas in Pampanga.
All uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the regional police office attended the event led by Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino, officer-in-charge of the Police Regional Office 3.
Aquino read a message from Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez’s urging every PNP men and women to continue efforts geared toward attaining the country’s freedom. – With Cesar Ramirez, Ding Cervantes, Ric Sapnu